The Nike brand and its “Just Do It” attitude have been a staple of American consumerism for many years because Nike manufactures products of quality, convenience, and affordability. Nike running shoes are just one of the facets of the Nike brand. Footwear with the Nike logo can be separated into many different categories, such as running shoes, and then into sub-categories. Nike running shoes are cataloged as either cushioning or stability models. Some models are also specific for track running or offer soles with more grip.
Cushioning models are primarily concerned with the comfort of the foot in the activity of running as well as walking. Cushioning models of Nike running shoes focus on the flexibility and breatheability of the shoe. Ventilation is also important. Not everyone has the same degree of arch in their foot. Nike understands this concept and offers various shoe types for the various arch degrees, having less or more cushioning in all the right places.
Nike’s stability models provide higher pressure on the medial side of the shoe sole to increase steadiness as you run. Arch support and rearfoot design are also highly considered in stability models.
Nike running shoes offer a variety of models for both men and women with a wide variety of sizes, as well as bi-gender models.
When shopping for running shoes, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
- Try them on. You are not going to know if a certain kind of shoes is right for you unless you try them on, lace them all the way up, and at least walk around the store. Why go through the hassle of purchasing a pair of shoes and bringing them home just to find they do not really fit or are not comfortable? Which leads me to:
- If you're not familiar with the shoe, avoid buying online. Unless you have tried on the pair you want to buy, you will not know if they fit properly until they arrive. It also helps to compare different shoes before choosing a particular model.
- Running shoes do not need to be “broken in.” Shoes specifically designed for running are meant to fit just as they come, and they will not stretch over time because of their synthetic material. The way they fit the first time is the way they will always fit.
- Your feet need more room. Because running is harder on the soles of your feet than walking, your feet need more room to expand. Generally you should have about a thumb’s width of room between the end of toes and the front of the shoe. If you cannot wiggle your toes, move up to the next size.
- The soles of running shoes should be stiff. If you can bend or twist the shoe, it is not a good running shoe and will not give you needed support.
- Make sure your shoes fit! Running shoes should allow your feet to expand, but they should still be secure around the arch, instep, and heel with little or no slipping or moving around.
By Monica Drusch